Sean Foley today announced that he is to leave his role as artistic director of the Birmingham Rep theatre this summer, following his forthcoming production of Withnail and I.
Mr Foley said: “It has been an honour to be the artistic director of this magnificent and historic theatre over the past five years. I will be stepping down over the summer, with Withnail and I being the last production I direct.
“My decision was made before the announcement of the city council’s cuts to the arts budgets, and is unrelated to them, and I know that staff will rise to this latest challenge.
“The Rep has consistently been able to deliver a truly ambitious programme of artistic, popular theatre even through the multiple challenges of the past years.
“This is testament to the tenacity, talent and commitment of the extraordinary staff team here. The ambition we have shown in my time here has seen audiences come back to The Rep at greater levels than before the pandemic, with audiences growing by a further 20% in the year.”
Mr Foley became artistic director in May 2019. During his tenure The Rep has undergone a re-brand, gained stylish new foyers and celebrated its 50th anniversary in its Centenary Square home.
Mr Foley directed the 20th anniversary production of The Play What I Wrote, guest starring Tom Hiddleston, and subsequently co-wrote and directed Spitting Image The Musical.
Other major shows during his tenure have included the new musical What’s New Pussy Cat?, Casey Bailey’s Grimeboy and an award-winning new production of Of Mice and Men, and the world premiere of Sinatra The Musical.
Mr Foley added; “I’m especially proud that 2023 has a claim to be one of the very best years in The Rep’s extraordinary history, with three world premieres and two West End transfers.
“We’ve had multiple award nominations, our largest youth and community festival ever, and were shortlisted for The Stage’s Theatre of the Year. The Rep is an incredible theatre in a truly great City, and it has been a great privilege to have been able to work alongside everyone connected with it.”
Ayub Khan MBE, interim chair of the board of trustees at The Rep, said: “Over the past five years, Sean has led The Rep artistically with great talent, formidable determination, and a wide-ranging vision. The Rep has truly grown as a theatre under his artistic stewardship. We wish him well with whatever he does next.”
Mr Foley’s final show as artistic director at The Rep, Withnail and I, opens on Friday 3 May and plays until Saturday 25 May. Recruitment for new artistic leadership will begin later this month.
Main image: Sean Foley at rehearsals of Withnail and I. Photo © Ellie Kurttz.
ENDS
